Pressing Memory: Letterpress Bookmaking in Rural Kildare

NARRAGHMORE HISTORY TOUR FIELD GUIDE

Pressing Memory: Letterpress Bookmaking in Rural Kildare

A five-hour, hands-on workshop in Narraghmore where participants craft memory notebooks, learn letterpress printing and its historical significance, and personalize covers in Irish or English.

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Pressing Memory: Letterpress Bookmaking in Rural Kildare.

Duration
5 hours
Location
Narraghmore
Operator
Blueway Art Studio
Category
History Tour
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

Set in Narraghmore, County Kildare, the Bookmaking with Letterpress Workshop brings a focused day of making: participants craft memory notebooks while learning the basics of letterpress and why the press mattered historically. The workshop is structured around the theme of memory and offers time to personalise covers and title pages in Irish or English.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

THE CRAFT

Make a lasting memory notebook

The principal focus of the day is to build a memory notebook you take home—a keepsake assembled through the workshop’s bookmaking sequence.

THE TECHNIQUE

Hands-on letterpress printing

Each participant gets dedicated time to try letterpress printing, producing an inside title page and printing a memory-themed cover.

THE CONTEXT

Historical perspective on the press

Before printing, the workshop provides a brief overview of the historical significance of the press to ground the practical work in its cultural context.

What the day feels like

How the day unfolds

This is a focused, studio-day rhythm: a concise historical introduction to the press is followed by hands-on time at the letterpress, where you experiment with type and impression. Participants then design and print a memory-themed cover and an inside title page—optionally in Irish or English (letters with no fada)—and assemble those printed elements into a finished book by the end of the five-hour session.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this workshop suits — and what’s not specified.

1
Creative hobbyists & stationery loversIdeal for people who want to make a personalized memory notebook and spend focused time learning letterpress techniques; the workshop centres on hands-on craft rather than physical activity.
2
Bilingual or Irish-language projectsUseful for those wishing to produce keepsakes in Irish or English—the workshop can print in both languages as long as letters have no fada.
3
History-interested learnersSuitable for visitors who appreciate contextual learning: the day begins with a brief overview of the press’s historical significance before practical printing.
4
Keepsake makersAimed at anyone seeking to leave with a tangible result—a completed memory notebook created during the five-hour workshop.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

Timing & Duration

The workshop runs for 5 hours.

What to Bring

No specific gear or materials are listed in the workshop details; confirm with the operator if you plan to bring personal paper or reference materials.

Operator & Location

This workshop is run by Blueway Art Studio in Narraghmore, County Kildare.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

How long is the workshop?

The workshop duration is 5 hours.

What will I make during the session?

Participants create a memory notebook, printing a personalized cover and an inside title page and assembling the book during the workshop.

Will I get to use a letterpress?

Yes; each participant has time to try letterpress printing as part of the workshop.

Can I print in Irish?

There is an option to print in Irish and English, provided the letters used have no fada.

Is there a historical component to the workshop?

Yes; the workshop includes a brief overview of the historical significance of the press prior to printing activities.

Who operates the workshop and where is it located?

The workshop is run by Blueway Art Studio in Narraghmore, County Kildare.